Giving Voice to Depression: Real Stories & Expert Support for Depression and Mental Health

Too often, people living with depression are told they’re “weak” or “lacking faith.” These false beliefs not only fuel stigma—they also isolate people from the support they deserve.In this powerful conversation, Victor Armstrong—a leading mental health advocate—shares how harmful narratives about depression being a moral or spiritual failure have shaped communities, families, and even faith traditions. He explains why the truth is the opposite: those living with depression and suicidal thoughts often show extraordinary resilience and strength.Through stories, compassion, and lived wisdom, Victor invites us to see the humanity behind the struggle and to respond with understanding, not judgment. His words are paired with reflections from the Giving Voice to Depression team and excerpts from an essay titled The Strength in Depression. Together, they remind us that surviving each day with depression is itself an act of courage.Primary Topics Covered:Why depression is not a sign of spiritual or moral weaknessVictor Armstrong’s journey as a Black man, advocate, and son of a preacherThe role of stigma in communities, families, and faith traditionsWhy resilience should be celebrated, not shamedThe impact of the pandemic on mental health for adults and childrenThe importance of seeing people beyond their strugglesThe gap between awareness and meaningful actionReflections on strength and courage from The Strength in Depression essayTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:08 - Meeting Victor Armstrong through his advocacy work 02:14 - “You matter, your life matters, you are enough” 03:23 - Seeing humanity instead of weakness in mental health struggles 04:01 - Why surviving suicidal thoughts shows strength 04:40 - Shifting perspectives to compassion and love 05:41 - The pandemic’s toll on adults and children 07:25 - Awareness vs. meaningful action in mental health 07:37 - Stigma in families, communities, and faith traditions 08:54 - Growing up without hearing mental health discussed in church 09:57 - Why people with mental health challenges face unique discrimination 10:09 - The added weight of stigma for Black men with depression 11:04 - Why mental health remains taboo compared to other struggles 12:27 - How stigma blames people for their depression 12:32 - Closing reflections and reading from The Strength in Depression 15:43 - Seeing depression as a fight that shows immense strength 16:25 - Accepting depression’s influence while rejecting its lies 16:45 - Closing thanks and preview of next week’s episodeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression is not a sign of weakness, failure, or a lack of faith. Yet stigma — especially in families, faith communities, and society at large — often frames it that way, leaving those who live with depression feeling judged or dismissed.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Victor Armstrong shares why depression is not a spiritual or moral failing, but a human health condition that requires compassion and support. He and the hosts explore how reframing depression as strength, rather than weakness, can help fight stigma, encourage openness, and validate the lived experiences of millions.The episode also features excerpts from Lauren Brady’s essay The Strength in Depression, offering powerful reminders that those who live with depression demonstrate resilience every day.Link to article quoted in episode: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-strength-in-depressionPrimary Topics Covered:Why depression is not a spiritual or moral weaknessHow stigma harms those living with depressionThe strength it takes to live with suicidal thoughts and keep fightingVictor Armstrong’s reflections on compassion, stigma, and supportHow cultural attitudes shape our views on mental healthThe role of churches, families, and communities in perpetuating stigmaDepression during the pandemic and its impact on children and familiesThe importance of reframing depression as resilience and strengthLauren Brady’s essay The Strength in DepressionWhy compassion and support are critical for healingTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and welcome  01:08 – Introducing guest Victor Armstrong  02:14 – The power of validating messages for those in pain  03:23 – Seeing people for their humanity, not perceived weakness  04:01 – Why labeling depression as weakness is harmful and dangerous  04:40 – Shifting perspectives to see value and compassion in others  05:41 – How the pandemic exposed the fragility of mental wellness  07:25 – Why awareness without action is not enough  08:54 – Discrimination faced by people with mental health challenges  10:09 – Cultural and faith-based stigma in Black communities  11:21 – Why mental health remains taboo compared to other struggles  12:32 – Reflection: how stigma frames depression as weakness  13:03 – Lauren Brady’s essay *The Strength in Depression*  15:13 – Redefining strength in the face of depression  16:25 – Hosts’ reflections on how depression shapes resilience  17:05 – Closing thoughts and community invitation  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Season 20 of Giving Voice to Depression was filled with raw, honest conversations about living with depression and the different ways people find hope, healing, and resilience. In this review episode, Bridget and Terry highlight some of the most powerful lessons and tools shared by guests — from building supportive routines and asking for help to facing stigma and embracing humor.This is a perfect episode for both longtime listeners and those new to the podcast — offering a condensed look at how real stories of depression recovery can make us feel connected, understood, and less alone.Primary Topics Covered:Why prioritizing mental health requires a holistic approachStories of dual diagnosis and recovery through musicHow depression can both strip away and rebuild identityThe role of routines and small wins in managing depressionBreaking stigma by talking openly about depression and medicationRedefining what “okay” looks like when living with depressionHomesickness for your former self — and how to copeTurning breakdowns into breakthroughs by asking for helpFacing the “impossible task” symptom of depressionUsing humor and honesty as powerful coping toolsTimestamps:00:00 - Season 20 introduction and purpose of review 01:21 - Prioritizing mental health as a daily goal 03:07 - Dual diagnosis: depression and substance abuse 04:49 - Depression’s losses and rebuilding identity 06:22 - Routine as a mental health tool 09:00 - Sick Not Weak: recognizing depression’s slow creep 10:22 - The role of medication and reducing stigma 11:47 - What “okay” looks like when living with depression 13:27 - What depression makes us miss most 15:26 - Saying goodbye to hiding depression 16:11 - From breakdown to breakthrough moments 17:22 - Asking for and accepting help 19:01 - When depression makes normal tasks impossible 22:00 - Using humor and honesty to cope with depression 23:11 - Closing reflections and gratitude to guestsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What if you could talk back to depression the same way you would defend a friend from a bully? In this candid episode, comedian and rapper Zane Thomas shares his lived experience with bipolar disorder, addiction, and suicidal thoughts—and how humor and self-talk became lifelines in his recovery.Zane opens up about substance use, the lies depression tells, and the power of reaching out before it’s too late. He shows us how laughter, connection, and the simple question “What are you excited for?” can shift perspective and create space for hope.This is an unfiltered, stigma-smashing conversation about surviving with mental illness and building resilience, one honest moment at a time.Primary Topics Covered:Zane’s lived experience with bipolar disorder and addictionHow depression lies and repeats the same messages to everyoneTalking back to dark thoughts as a coping toolUsing humor as a form of healing and connectionSubstance abuse as a coping mechanism—and its dangersThe role of community, social media, and support networksWhy asking “What are you excited for?” is a powerful mental health questionThe importance of language when talking about suicide and mental healthTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Zane Thomas and his story 02:09 - Zane’s viral Instagram video on suicidal thoughts 04:23 - Talking back to depression like a bully 06:49 - Realizing depression tells everyone the same lies 07:57 - Using humor as a mental health coping strategy 09:05 - Dealing with depression that comes from “nowhere” 10:37 - The power of the word “yet” in recovery 11:42 - Music, comedy, and creativity shaped by mental illness 12:35 - How substance use became a coping mechanism 13:31 - The turning point: losing a friend and drug use escalation 14:29 - Alcohol’s toxic impact on bipolar disorder 15:28 - Gambling with alcohol and emotions 16:54 - Why Zane offers to listen before it’s too late 17:01 - The best question to ask someone struggling: “What are you excited for?” 18:00 - Fighting stigma by keeping conversations real and supportiveExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression isn’t always about sadness. For many, it shows up in the everyday responsibilities that suddenly feel impossible — showering, doing dishes, folding laundry, or even picking up medication. These “impossible tasks” are not signs of laziness or weakness, but very real symptoms of depression.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Molly Bacchus shares how naming this phenomenon as “the impossible task” helped thousands of people feel validated and less alone. Molly explains how depression magnifies guilt and shame around daily responsibilities, why asking for help is a survival tool, and how support from others can make all the difference.Bridget, Terry, and Molly shine a compassionate light on one of the most overlooked aspects of living with depression — showing listeners that these struggles are symptoms, not character flaws.Link to an article about Molly's tweets: bit.ly/37rLjm8Primary Topics Covered:What “the impossible task” means in the context of depressionWhy simple chores suddenly feel overwhelmingThe emotional toll of guilt and shame in daily lifeReal-life examples of impossible tasks: dishes, laundry, showeringMolly’s viral thread that resonated with thousands onlineThe importance of normalizing these hidden symptoms of depressionWhy asking for help is not weakness, but survivalHow friends and loved ones can support someone facing impossible tasksWhy impossible tasks are depression symptoms — not personal failingsTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction  01:00 – Introducing “the impossible task”  01:35 – When daily chores become overwhelming  02:32 – Molly’s viral tweets and community response  03:18 – Defining the impossible task and its emotional weight  04:18 – Examples: laundry, dishes, and showering  05:28 – Why outsiders don’t understand the struggle  06:13 – Guilt and shame as companions of depression  07:36 – How depression blinds you to your surroundings  08:54 – Emotional triage: survival over responsibilities  09:41 – Even medication pickups can feel impossible  10:42 – How friends can lighten the load  11:43 – Reminder: “This will not last forever”  12:15 – Depression’s lie about your “new normal”  12:42 – Helping others with their impossible tasks  13:40 – Why supporting someone else also helps you  14:44 – Asking for help isn’t being a burden  15:37 – Closing reflections and community invitation  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

For many people living with depression, the hardest struggles aren’t always the big life events — they’re the “impossible tasks.” Things like showering, doing dishes, making a bed, or even picking up medication can suddenly feel overwhelming and insurmountable.In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Molly Bacchus shares how naming this experience as “the impossible task” helped thousands of people feel less alone. She explains how depression magnifies guilt and shame around daily responsibilities, why these moments don’t mean you’re lazy or weak, and how support from others can make all the difference.By unpacking this overlooked but common depression symptom, Bridget, Terry, and Molly shine a light on how small acts of compassion — including asking for help — can bring hope and relief.Link to an article about Molly's tweets: https://bit.ly/37rLjm8Primary Topics CoveredWhat the “impossible task” means in depressionWhy simple tasks like laundry or dishes feel unmanageableThe role of guilt, shame, and self-blame in daily strugglesReal-life examples of how depression blocks basic responsibilitiesWhy asking for help is not a weakness but a survival toolHow support from friends can make tasks more bearableMolly’s viral Twitter thread that named “the impossible task”The importance of transparency and normalizing mental health strugglesWhy these experiences are symptoms of depression — not character flawsTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and welcome  01:00 – Introducing “the impossible task”  01:35 – Everyday responsibilities that suddenly feel overwhelming  02:32 – How Molly’s tweets resonated with thousands online  03:18 – Defining the impossible task and its emotional toll  04:18 – Real examples: making a bed, doing laundry, dishes  05:28 – Why outsiders can’t understand the hidden struggle  06:13 – Guilt, shame, and feeling like you’re failing  07:36 – How depression blinds you to daily surroundings  08:54 – Emotional triage: choosing survival over chores  09:41 – Even picking up antidepressants can feel impossible  10:42 – The power of supportive friends to make tasks doable  11:43 – Reminder: “This will not last forever”  12:15 – Why depression lies about being your “new normal”  12:42 – Helping others with their impossible tasks  13:40 – How assisting others also helps you heal  14:44 – Why asking for help isn’t being a burden  15:37 – Closing reflections and Facebook community invite  Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does it look like to live with depression, raise children, survive breakdowns, and still find ways to laugh? In this candid conversation, Shannon — known online as ShannyPants — opens up about the struggles of depression, the healing role of humor, and the turning point when she sought therapy and medication.Shannon’s story is a reminder that depression doesn’t erase our joy, humor, or resilience. With honesty, vulnerability, and laughter, she shares how she moved from denial and breakdown to breakthrough and hope — all while helping others feel less alone.If you’ve ever wondered how to cope with depression day-to-day or what it feels like to live openly with mental illness online, this episode is for you.Primary Topics Covered:Why humor and laughter can be powerful tools against depressionDaily struggles of living with depression and how Shannon manages themThe role of routines and small wins in mental health recoveryParenting children with mental health challenges during the pandemicReaching a breakdown point and finally asking for medical helpHow medication and therapy transformed Shannon’s outlookThe power of vulnerability in sharing your mental health story onlineBuilding connection and reducing stigma through honestyWhy isolation makes depression worse and how to fight itFinding hope and strength in communityTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topic 01:00 - Humor and distraction as therapy for depression 02:28 - Shannon introduces her public vs. private self 03:11 - Living with daily depression struggles 04:22 - Using routines and small tasks to cope 06:01 - Explaining off days to those without depression 06:55 - The importance of leaving the house to fight depression 07:47 - Learning to balance self-kindness with discipline 08:48 - Parenting challenges during COVID and mental health decline 08:55 - Reaching a breakdown point and seeking help 10:25 - Breaking stigma around medication and mental illness 11:31 - Realizing depression had been present since childhood 11:37 - Turning point: seeking therapy and medication 12:39 - Humor as both therapy and connection 13:14 - Going viral by sharing honestly about depression 15:40 - The power of speaking openly about mental illness 16:22 - Reaching a healthier place after years of struggle 17:24 - Why sharing stories matters in fighting stigma 18:16 - Where to find Shannon’s humorous content online 18:46 - Next week’s preview: EMDR and asking for help 20:08 - Closing reflections and hopeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Shannon, better known online as @ShannyPants, is funny, vibrant, and energetic—but she’s also someone who lives with depression every single day. In this deeply honest and hopeful conversation, Shannon describes what it’s like to appear fine on the outside while struggling silently inside.She shares her journey from denial to diagnosis, how she finally sought help after a breakdown, and why humor became both a personal therapy and a public platform. Her viral videos brought laughter, connection, and, most importantly, proof that vulnerability and visibility can change lives. If you’ve ever felt alone in your depression, this episode reminds you—you’re not.Shannon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealshannypantsPrimary Topics Covered:What “living with depression every day” really meansShannon’s contrast between her outgoing public self and depressive episodesThe importance of routines and intentionally manageable to-do listsHow working from home can intensify depressive symptomsParenting children with mental health needs during COVID lockdownHitting a breakdown point and finally considering antidepressantsChallenging the stigma around medication and mental illnessHer journey to mental clarity through therapy and medicationHow humor became her therapy—and a platform for helping othersThe emotional power and viral impact of sharing her truth onlineTimestamps:00:00 Intro and podcast welcome00:54 Why funny people can still have depression01:42 Humor as therapy and a coping mechanism02:28 Meet Shannon—public personality vs. private depression03:11 What depression looks like day to day03:47 The power of routine and easy wins on hard days04:22 Paper planners, medication checklists, and feeling productive05:28 The contrast between good days and couch-bound ones06:13 Leaving the house to disrupt depressive spirals07:23 Learning to be gentle with herself after years of harsh self-talk07:53 COVID, parenting, and the moment her mental health collapsed08:55 Friends noticing her breakdown and encouraging treatment09:36 How seeing her child benefit from medication shifted her perspective10:33 Denial, strength, and finally recognizing lifelong depression11:37 Starting antidepressants—and feeling the fog lift12:39 Talking publicly about mental health and the impact of honesty13:14 Viral vulnerability: the post that changed everything14:12 Choosing humor *and* truth: blending entertainment with advocacy14:51 The post that went global—and why it resonated so deeply15:40 Depression as a disease of isolation16:22 What healing sounds like in the present tense17:24 Sharing stories as a form of therapy—for both speaker and listener18:16 Where to find Shannon’s humorous videos for emotional lift18:46 Preview of next episode: EMDR therapy and asking for help19:48 Podcasts as accessible, therapeutic support20:08 Final reflections: connection, hope, and honest healingExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

For years, Alex Brown battled anxiety and depression in silence. Like many, she thought what she was experiencing was “just life” — anger, exhaustion, and darkness that she couldn’t explain. A breakdown on a family trip finally forced her to face what was really happening: years of untreated anxiety had developed into major depression.In this conversation, Alex shares how naming her depression brought relief, how therapy and medication help her manage symptoms, and why she made the choice to stop hiding her struggles. She talks about pet therapy, supportive relationships, and the healing power of speaking openly about mental health.Alex’s story is a powerful reminder that depression is not weakness — it’s an illness. And that choosing to share your truth can bring both connection and strength.One of Alex's articles: https://alexandriabrown12.medium.com/truth-be-told-my-depression-actually-does-define-me-27ef27107f0eAlex's book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Depression-Battle-Heart-ebook/dp/B07531N5TMPrimary Topics CoveredCommon but often overlooked symptoms of depressionHow stigma delays recognition and treatment of mental illnessAlex’s childhood anger, anxiety, and teenage coping through drinkingBreaking point: a public breakdown that led to diagnosisRelief in naming depression and accessing treatmentTherapy, antidepressants, and building a support systemHow her dog helps with anxiety and groundingWhy Alex chose to stop hiding her depressionThe importance of small daily self-care stepsHow honesty reduces shame and builds resilienceTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and overview of depression symptoms 02:41 - Why noticing changes matters more than symptom lists 04:09 - Meet Alex Brown, author and mental health advocate 05:04 - Childhood anxiety, anger, and teenage coping behaviors 06:46 - College struggles and growing darkness 06:55 - Public breakdown and depression diagnosis 07:52 - Relief in naming depression and finding compassion 09:04 - Learning to distinguish rough patches from depression 09:42 - Building a support system: therapy, medication, family 09:53 - Pet therapy and the healing role of animals 10:50 - Choosing to stop hiding depression and share her story 11:19 - Connection through lived experience and honesty 12:26 - Why depression looks different for everyone 13:26 - Depression as the hardest, invisible opponent 14:56 - Facing stigma and helping others face their own struggles 15:32 - The importance of small daily coping strategies 16:25 - Closing reflections on naming depression and finding hopeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does it mean to feel “homesick” for yourself before depression? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Savannah Wall joins us to share her deeply personal story of living with depression—describing the emptiness, weight, and longing for the person she once was.Through candid reflections, Savannah explains how depression can leave you feeling disconnected from loved ones and even from yourself, and why superficial fixes like candles or trendy self-care routines often fall short. She also shares how the support of her husband and access to therapy and treatment became the turning point in her recovery.This conversation explores the power of naming and articulating depression, the dangers of hiding it, and the importance of reaching out for help. If you’ve ever felt far away from yourself, or like you’re waiting for something that never seems to come, this episode will remind you that recovery is possible—and that you don’t have to go through it alone.Primary Topics Covered:The concept of being “homesick” for your pre-depression selfThe physical and emotional weight of depressionWhy self-care trends often don’t solve deep depressive strugglesHiding symptoms vs. admitting to depressionThe role of shame, stigma, and feeling like a burdenHow Savannah sought help and found recoveryThe importance of supportive loved ones in noticing and acting on warning signsBuilding a depression “toolkit” to manage symptomsWriting reminders to yourself as a way to counter depression’s liesEpisode Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and co-hosts 01:00 - The idea of being “homesick” for your pre-depression self 02:30 - Savannah describes the emptiness and heaviness of depression 04:00 - Why self-care trends don’t always help in deep depression 06:00 - Hiding depression symptoms behind excuses and shame 07:40 - The tension between gratitude and hopelessness 09:20 - Feeling disconnected from loved ones and from self 10:30 - Savannah’s breaking point and her husband’s role in encouraging treatment 11:00 - Seeking therapy, medical support, and the slow return of hope 12:00 - Recognizing missed warning signs of depression 13:00 - Building a “toolkit” for managing symptoms 13:40 - The value of writing affirmations to yourself for future depressive episodes 14:30 - The risks of holding depression in and the importance of sharing 16:00 - How loved ones can recognize changes and offer support 17:20 - Closing reflections and quotes on depression and recovery 18:30 - Outro and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/